SNL and internet darling Pete Davidson will play Joey Ramone in upcoming biopic, “I Slept With Joey Ramone.” Jason Orley, who directed Davidson in Hulu’s “Big Time Adolescence” and Davidson’s comedy special “Pete Davidson: Alive from New York,” will direct the film. Netflix and STX Films have signed on to produce.
Davidson and Orley adapted the screenplay from Mickey Leigh’s memoir of the same name. Leigh, who was Ramone’s younger brother, is also an executive producer on the film. The estate of Joey Ramone is fully supporting the film. Adam Fogelson, Chairman at STX Films, said this about the picture: “I Slept with Joey Ramone” is a great rock anthem that will make an equally great rock biopic, set apart by a universal story of family.”
For those not steeped in the punk rock world, Joey Ramone and his band, “The Ramones” did to punk what “Citizen Kane” did to film. Founded in Queens, New York back in 1974, The Ramones revolutionized rock music production by stripping it down to Chuck Berry-level basics. The Ramones were arguably the first true punk rock band and fomented the British punk movement in the late 70’s. The Ramones separated in 1996, however their influence on the genre is vast and irrefutable.
Pete Davidson’s film career continues to exceed expectations. Aside from playing Joey Ramone, the 22 year old is also appearing in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad”, releasing later this year, elevates Davidson from an indie actor to a studio budgeted megastar. And if that wasn’t enough, Davidson will also voice the titular Great Dane in the 2021 remake of “Marmaduke.”
“I Slept With Joey Ramone” hasn’t released a production schedule, but expect more casting updates in the coming weeks. What if Machine Gun Kelly plays every other member of the Ramones and Timothee Chalamet starred as Mickey Leigh? Would the Internet just … collapse?
